Review

An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization

Volume: 9 Number: 3 September 30, 2025

An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization

Abstract

Hydrogen as a fuel exhibits significant potential for integration into energy systems, potentially enabling the decarbonization of the transportation sector and achieving sustainability goals in alignment with global and European Sustainable Development Goals strategies (SDGs). The decarbonization of the energy sector is outlined in the Paris Agreement, which sets specific objectives that United Nations member states are obligated to meet by 2030 and 2050. This paper explores the latest trends in the development and application of hydrogen in internal combustion engines (H₂ - ICE) as a fuel. It covers the fundamental principles of H₂ - ICE operation, including necessary modifications to conventional internal combustion engines (modification of fuel supply systems, combustion chamber design, thermal load management, and H₂ storage systems in vehicles). Additionally, the paper examines the compliance of H₂ - ICE technology with European strategies, including the European Green Deal and Euro 7 emission standards. The European Union's regulatory framework (Hydrogen Strategy and REPowerEU plan) defines guidelines for accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and achieving energy independence, supported by financial mechanisms that encourage the adoption of hydrogen in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the study provides an analytical overview of industry trends among leading vehicle and engine manufacturers, highlighting the development processes of hydrogen engines and their applications in passenger and commercial vehicles. Through an analysis of the advantages and limitations of H₂ - ICE, the paper positions H₂ - ICE as a complementary technology to fuel cells (hybrid electric vehicles) and offers specific conclusions and recommendations for future research, including improvements in engine efficiency, emission reductions, and the development of hydrogen infrastructure. These efforts aim to ensure a sustainable and economically viable transition toward clean transportation.

Keywords

References

  1. [1] Aslan N, Kılıc E, Şekkeli M. Modeling of Electric Vehicles as a Load Of The Distribution Grid. International Journal of Automotive Science and Technology. 2023;7(1):54 - 62. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1165750
  2. [2] Bogdanov D, Gulagi A, Fasihi M, Breyer C. Full energy sector transition towards 100 % renewable energy supply: Integrating power, heat, transport and industry sectors including desalination. Applied Energy. 2021;283:116273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116273
  3. [3] Seyitoglu SS. The Influence of Road Transport on Carbon Footprint: A Case Study of the Black Sea Region. IJASTECH. 2024;8(1):37 - 43. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1359220
  4. [4] Rogelj J, Luderer G, Pietzcker RC, Kriegler E, Schaeffer M, Krey V, Riahi K. Energy system transformations for limiting end - of - century warming to below 1.5 C. Nat Clim Chang. 2015;5(6):519 - 27. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2572
  5. [5] Schellnhuber HJ, Rahmstorf S, Winkelmann R. Why the right climate target was agreed in Paris. Nat Clim Chang. 2016;6(7):649 - 53. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate3013
  6. [6] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Mitigation of Climate Change: Working Group III Contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report Cambridge. Cambridge University Press; 2014. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781107415416
  7. [7] Haasz T, Vilchez JJ, Kunze R, Deane P, Fraboulet D, Fahl U, Mulholland E. Perspectives on decarbonizing the transport sector in the EU - 28. Energy Strategy Rev. 2018;20:124 - 32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2017.12.007
  8. [8] Meo SA, Salih MA, Alkhalifah JM, Alsomali AH, Almushawah AA. Environmental pollutants particulate matter (PM2. 5, PM10), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) impact on lung functions. Journal of King Saud University - Science. 2024;36(7):103280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2024.103280

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Internal Combustion Engines, Automotive Combustion and Fuel Engineering

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 31, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 3

APA
Trakić, A., šehović, J., & Bibić, D. (2025). An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, 9(3), 310-324. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1738230
AMA
1.Trakić A, šehović J, Bibić D. An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization. IJASTECH. 2025;9(3):310-324. doi:10.30939/ijastech.1738230
Chicago
Trakić, Ammar, Jasmin šehović, and Dževad Bibić. 2025. “An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9 (3): 310-24. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1738230.
EndNote
Trakić A, šehović J, Bibić D (September 1, 2025) An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9 3 310–324.
IEEE
[1]A. Trakić, J. šehović, and D. Bibić, “An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization”, IJASTECH, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 310–324, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.30939/ijastech..1738230.
ISNAD
Trakić, Ammar - šehović, Jasmin - Bibić, Dževad. “An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9/3 (September 1, 2025): 310-324. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1738230.
JAMA
1.Trakić A, šehović J, Bibić D. An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization. IJASTECH. 2025;9:310–324.
MLA
Trakić, Ammar, et al. “An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, vol. 9, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 310-24, doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1738230.
Vancouver
1.Ammar Trakić, Jasmin šehović, Dževad Bibić. An Overview of Hydrogen Applications in Internal Combustion Engines Toward Transport Decarbonization. IJASTECH. 2025 Sep. 1;9(3):310-24. doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1738230


International Journal of Automotive Science and Technology (IJASTECH) is published by Society of Automotive Engineers Turkey

by.png